Page scope: what happens after the furniture arrives. For preparation before the move, see the moving preparation checklist. For organising boxes while packing, see the moving inventory list.
Before the moving crew leaves
The most valuable five minutes of moving day are the last ones before the crew leaves. Use them to:
- Walk through the assembled furniture: open wardrobe doors and drawers and check the beds are steady.
- Match the box count: if you have a numbered list, run through the numbers quickly.
- Confirm where heavy items go: moving a wardrobe or fridge after the crew leaves is much harder, so decide now.
- Ask about anything unclear: leftover screws, a shelf not fitted, or a piece that needs adjusting.
The first night: the "open first" box
If you packed this box before the move, open it now. If not, this is all you need tonight: bed sheets and pillows, towels and basic bathroom items, phone chargers, family medicines, water and light food, and simple tools (screwdriver, scissors, tape). Do not try to open everything on the first night; a good night's sleep matters more.
A plan for the first seven days
| Day | What to unpack | Why this order |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bedrooms and bathrooms | Sleep and hygiene first |
| Day 2 | Kitchen: everyday dishes and small appliances | Normal life returns with the first meal at home |
| Day 3 | Children's rooms and clothes | School and work routines need organised wardrobes |
| Day 4 | Majlis and living room | Ready to receive family and guests |
| Day 5 | Home office and paperwork | Papers need focus and quiet |
| Day 6 | Paintings and decor | Once furniture positions are settled |
| Day 7 | Storeroom and seasonal items | The least urgent |
For paintings and frames, see packing and moving artwork.
The kitchen: unpack smart
Do not empty every kitchen box onto the counter at once. Start with what you use daily, and decide where each group goes in the cupboards before opening its boxes. Open glassware and fine plates last, on a soft surface. For packing tips that make unpacking easier, see kitchen packing and moving.
Safety while unpacking
- Tall pieces such as wardrobes and bookcases are best anchored to the wall, especially with children at home.
- Box cutters and scissors go out of children's reach after each use.
- Do not stack boxes in front of doors or exits.
- Check appliance connections before switching on, and let a fridge stand for a while before running it if it was moved tilted.
If you notice an issue with an item after unwrapping, photograph it and contact us as soon as possible on 0573505121 rather than waiting days.
Getting rid of boxes and packing materials
After a week you will have a pile of empty boxes. Flatten each one as soon as it is empty so it takes no space, and keep a few for storage. Collect plastic wrap and foam in large bags. If some old furniture no longer suits the new home, consider selling or donating it rather than filling the storeroom.
Admin to handle in the first week
- Make sure electricity and water are set up in your name or as agreed with the landlord, and photograph the meter readings on handover day.
- Photograph the condition of the new home before arranging furniture; it helps when you hand it back one day.
- Update your national address and delivery address in the apps and stores you use.
- If you have children, sort out the new school run before the first school day.
Still planning? See how to choose movers.
Share the work
Unpacking goes faster when everyone has a clear job: older children set up their own rooms, one parent takes the kitchen and the other the paperwork and majlis. Even small children can put their toys into a box of their own.
Book a move with furniture assembly at your new home
Send where from and to, home type, rooms and date, and we will send a plan that starts with packing and ends with assembly.